The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-29

a Cooked Revolver That Came Very Near
Being Discharged.

Washington Letter in Philadelphia Ledger.
The death of the Hon. E. B. Washburne re-
minds me of an incident related by Ward H. La
mon. Col. Lamon was Mr. Lincolns travelling
companion his celebrated journey from
Springfield, ILL.,, to Washington, when the Presi-
dent-elect was on his way to assume the Office of
President The air was full of rumors of plots
for the assassination of the President elect, and
in consequence of report that attempt
would be made on his life At Baltimore the pro-
gramme arranged for the trip to Washington
was suddenly changed, and Mr.. Lincoln, who
had gone from Philadelphia to Harrisburg,
the intention being to proceed from the latter
place TO Baltimore. was brought back to Phila-
dephia and placed the regular midnight
train leaving that city for the capital In add
tion to Colonel Lamon, Mr. Lincoln had as
body guard Allan Pinkerton and another de-
tective. Mr.. Washburne was the only man in
Washington who knew that the President elect
would arrive at the capital in the early morn
ing instead Of In the afternoon. was origin
ally proposed. The arrival of Mr.. Lincoln at
the capital is best told in Colonel Lannon's own
words.
II never closed my eyes," said COL Lamou,
during the trip from Philadelphia to Washing
ton. The story of the cloak and Scotch cap to
disguise Mr.. Lincoln had no foundation. There
was no attempt at disguise and no occasion for
it. We reached Baltimore at daybreax, and, as
the cars were being examined ana made ready
for the transfer through Bal timore from the
President. street depot to that at Camden street,
we could hear the remarks made by the train.
men and those about the station in reference to
the anticipated arrival of Lincoln during the
afternoon of that day Mr. Lincoln and myself
remained in the berth until the train left Balti-
more didsnot know, nor did Mr. Lincoln
expect Mr. Washburne was to meet
him at the depot in Washington. Besides
l did not know Mr.. Washburne by sight.
On reaching Washington we left the train and
proceeded with the other passengers toward the
large room of the Baltimore & Ohio depot front
ing on New Jersey avenue, intending to pass
through to the street, and taking n carriage,
drive to the residence OF William Fl. Seward.
When we reached the waiting. room a man ap-
preached Mr.. Lincoln. laid his hand on the
shoulder of the Presi6ent-elect. and called his
name. l paid no attention to what he said, but
in a instant my pistol was at his head, was
also that of Allan Pinkerton. Mr. Lincoln
erasped my arm and said: Ward. this is Mr..
Washburne. You must be more careful of our
friends / replied MIR. Washourne should have
more than to accost you in this place in
such manner
Although I afterward became we'll &C
quainted with Mr.. Washburne, he never forgave
me for this demonstration. 1 have often
thought of this incident, and could never ex-
plain to myself how Mr.. Washburne escaped
death that morning from my pistol or that of
Allan Pinkerton. Had Mr.. Lincoln first seen
and recognized Mr. Wsshburne it would not
have aroused our suspicious. but Mr. Lincoln
did not see Mr. Washburne un til his hand was
laid on Lincoln's shoulder, and until Mr.. Wash
burne called his name lt was very close call
for Mr. Washburpe."